2026-27 UPL: Resilient Maroons hold Vipers at Kitende
Uganda Premier League 2026/27
Matchday 6
Other Results
Maroons earned a hard-fought point off Vipers after a one-all draw at the St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende on Sunday, 11th October 2026.
Dickson Niwamanya put “The Jailers” ahead with a typical poacher’s strike in the opening stanza before defender Kevin Bady Da Slyva levelled matters in the second half.
The home side looked sharper, especially in the opening stages and towards the end, but Maroons were disciplined at the back.
Goalkeeper Derrick Ochan reacted quicker off the line to thwart an attack from Arafat Usama inside the opening 10 minutes.
On the quarter-hour mark, Vipers’ goalkeeper over-jumped to collect a long throw-in from Mujahid Ogama.
Abdul-Karim Watambala was denied by goalkeeper Ochan with a routine collection off a distant shot in the 17th minute.
A minute later, the visitors celebrated when Dickson Niwamanya finished from close range after a goal melee.
Gusto Mulongo headed over an inviting cross by Ashraf Mandela from the right flank towards the half-hour mark.
Usama narrowly curled wide of the Maroons’ goal frame as the hosts sought the equaliser before the mandatory teams’ half-time recess.
Watambala shot way off target from 40 yards in another subsequent attack with signs of desperation in sight.
On the stroke of half-time, Usama’s brushed header sailed out of the goal frame following a great cross from the flanks by the roving right back Mandela.
The last opportunity of the opening stanza fell to Mulongo, who headed over from Watambala’s corner kick.
Forward Ceaser Lobi Manzoki replaced Derrick Ndahiiro in the game’s first change five minutes into the second half.
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Innocent Katimbo came in for the weary, albeit effective legs of Abel Eturude for Maroons after 65 minutes.
Farouk Miya replaced Hilary Mukundane in the Venoms’ second change after 67 minutes, before the equaliser by defender Da Slyva arrived.
Manzoki brushed the ball with an onrushing Da Slyva volleying home the equaliser inside the goal area.
Inside the final 20 minutes of the game, Raymond Walugembe replaced Niwamanya in Maroons’ other change.
Ronald Orombi replaced former Vipers player Brian Nkuubi Ssemakula on the 80th minute mark.
Maroons held onto the pressure piled by the opposition to earn a point at the intimidating St Mary’s Stadium.
Team Lineups:
Vipers XI: Mbaba (G.K), Ashraf Mandela, Tarabina, Hilary Mukundane (Captain), Kevin Bady Da Slyva, Derrick Ndahiiro, Joel Sserunjogi, Abdul Karim Watambala, Odili Chukwuma, Gusto Wa Mulongo, Arafat Usama
Subs: Derrick Kiggundu (G.K), Farouk Miya, Milton Karisa, Abubakar Walusimbi, Amour Munogera, Yunus Junior Sentamu, Paul Patrick Mbowa, Annest Ankunda, Ceaser Lobi Manzoki
Maroons XI: Derrick Ochan (G.K), Edward Kabona, Emmanuel Obua, Basoga, Abel Eturude, Baden Mujahid Ogama, Bayiga, Ssemwogerere, Brian Nkuubi Ssemakula, Fred Amaku, Dickson Niwamanya
Subs : Emmanuel Derrick Were (G.K), Mawejje, Innocent Biyika, Kigozi, Andabati, Innocent Kitimbo, Ali, Darious Ojok, Kakande, Adima, Raymond Walugembe, Ronald Orombo, Jackson Nunda, Mubiru
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David Isabirye
David Isabirye is a senior staff writer for Kawowo Sports where he covers most of the major events. More by David Isabirye
